Pep Guardiola issues new Kevin De Bruyne injury update ahead of Arsenal clash

Kevin De Bruyne picked up a groin problem against Inter Milan on Wednesday evening, leaving him as a doubt for Man City’s huge game against Arsenal this weekend, but Pep Guardiola is now optimistic that he could feature

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola remains hopeful Kevin de Bruyne will be able to feature in some capacity in their huge clash against Arsenal this weekend – after the Belgian playmaker hobbled off against Inter Milan in midweek.

De Bruyne started City’s 0-0 Champions League draw against the Serie A side on Wednesday but picked up a groin problem and required medical attention before being substituted at half time.

He is now a doubt for the visit of Arsenal to the Etihad on Sunday – a game which could have huge ramifications for the Premier League title race – with the Gunners also missing a key playmaker in Martin Odegaard.

Guardiola was at first unsure of the injury’s severity after De Bruyne first picked up the problem on Wednesday evening but is now more optimistic that he could feature at some point against their title rivals.

“He feels a little better today,” the Spanish coach said. “Tomorrow we train and we will see. He could be [involved].”

City are already without defender Nathan Ake, who is suffering a thigh injury – while Oscar Bobb is a long-term absentee having fractured his leg before the start of the season – but Guardiola offered positive news about Phil Foden, who is now in a position to play a full 90 minutes.

“Every player needs a break,” he said of Foden after playing half of their 0-0 draw against Inter. “He played a good 45 minutes the last game.”

“He was the best player in the league last season and can fight with the other midfield players. Unfortunately the final decision he was not more calm but his intensity and pressing and movements in small pockets, he is one of the best in the world. That’s why we are very pleased that he is back.”

City will be hoping they can line up with both Foden and De Bruyne against Arsenal this weekend, knowing they can put five points between themselves and Mikel Arteta’s side with a victory.

Guardiola’s team have enjoyed a 100 per cent start to the season so far with four wins from four and 11 goals scored – letting in just three.

Arsenal will have Declan Rice back for the game after being suspended for their 1-0 win at Tottenham last time out, though Takehiro Tomiyasu, Oleksandr Zinchenko and new signing Mikel Merino are sidelined alongside Odegaard.

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